The Antioxidant and Anti-Tyrosinase Activities of Carissa carandas Linn. Fruit Extracts and their Applications in Cosmetics

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the biological properties of Carissa carandas Linn. pulp and seed extracts as well as its efficacy in cosmetic application. The extracts of Carissa carandas pulp and seeds were analysed for their phenolic content, antioxidant and tyrosine inhibition activities. Emulgels containing the extract were also formulated and evaluated for safety and efficacy in the improvement on skin conditions. The Carissa carandas seed extract contained a higher amount of phenolic content and exhibited more potential in radical scavenging than Carissa carandas pulp extract. All extracts possessed similar potential in tyrosine inhibition activity. The results indicated that the phenolic compounds of Carissa carandas extracts were attributed to its radical scavenging property (R=0.998). The formulated emulgels with Carissa carandas seed extract were stable under accelerated conditions and regarded as safe based on the irritation test. The efficacy results proved that the Carissa carandas seed extract was effective in improving skin moisture; transepidermal water loss, erythema and elasticity as well as lightening the skin’s color. The results recommend that phenolic compounds of Carissa carandas extract could be utilized in cosmetics as an antiaging agent.